Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, along with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), react during a campaign event at Dorton Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 4, 2024. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake/File Photo
Trump Expected to Nominate Marco Rubio as Secretary of State
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Nov 11 (Reuters) – Donald Trump is expected to nominate U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State, sources confirmed Monday, positioning the Florida senator to become the first Latino to hold the role when Trump assumes office in January.
Rubio, 53, has been a prominent advocate for a strong U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning China, Iran, and Cuba, and has previously held hawkish positions on military intervention. However, in recent years, he has shifted his stances to align more closely with Trump’s vision of a more restrained foreign policy, particularly in Europe.
While Trump, known for his unpredictability, could change his mind, sources indicate that the decision is likely final. The Trump administration will face a more volatile international landscape, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and a closer alignment between China, Russia, and Iran.
Ukraine and Foreign Policy Focus
Rubio has been critical of U.S. involvement in the Ukraine crisis, advocating for a negotiated settlement with Russia rather than focusing solely on territorial reclamation. He was also one of the 15 Republican senators who voted against a $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine earlier this year.
His appointment as Secretary of State reflects a broader shift in the Republican Party’s foreign policy under Trump, moving away from interventionist stances and towards restraint and criticism of NATO allies not meeting defense spending commitments.
Domestic Significance
Rubio’s nomination carries significant domestic implications as well. Trump’s victory in the November 5 election was partially attributed to his strong support from Latino voters, a demographic that has become increasingly politically diverse. By choosing Rubio for a high-profile role, Trump is signaling his commitment to further solidifying his ties with the Latino community.
Mauricio Claver-Carone, a Rubio ally and former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, suggested that Rubio’s focus on Latin America would be historic if confirmed as Secretary of State. "This is the time Latin America will most be on the map in U.S. history," Claver-Carone said.
A Hawk on China and Cuba
Rubio’s foreign policy record includes being a staunch critic of China. He was sanctioned by Beijing in 2020 for his support of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and has consistently pressured the U.S. government to take action against Chinese tech companies like Huawei and TikTok.
A strong opponent of the Cuban government, Rubio shares Trump’s stance on not normalizing relations with Havana. He has also been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan regime under Nicolás Maduro.
Despite some skepticism among Trump’s supporters regarding Rubio’s earlier positions, particularly on NATO and military intervention, Rubio’s nomination would underscore the growing influence of the Republican Party’s more interventionist factions under Trump’s leadership.
Next Steps
If confirmed, Rubio is expected to prioritize issues in Latin America and confront global challenges like China’s rising influence, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
The Trump administration will face a more complex international environment than it did in 2017, and Rubio's experience on the Senate Intelligence Committee and his tough stance on foreign adversaries make him a key figure in navigating these challenges.
Reporting by Gram Slattery and Steve Holland; Editing by Don Durfee, Howard Goller, Sonali Paul, Lincoln Feast.
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